Lesson 14 - Ye Shall Be a Peculiar Treasure unto Me

Exodus 15–20; 32–34

Lesson 13 - Bondage, Passover, and Exodus

Exodus 1–3; 5–6; 11–14

Lesson 8 - Living Righteously in a Wicked World

Genesis 13–14; 18–19

Ward Conference

Tates Creek Ward Conference is this Sunday, February 21st so there will not be a Gospel Doctrine class.  See you again on the 28th.  This might be a good time to catch up on some past readings.

Lesson 7 - Abrahamic Covenant

Abraham 1:1-4; 2:1-11; Genesis 12:1-8; 17:1-9

1. Building an Ark - DVD
1. Difficult – requires faith
2. Like our difficulties – require faith
2. Marriage Outside Covenant - DVD
1. One of the sins of the people of Noah
3. Listen to the Prophet - DVD
1. Haun’s Mill      
4. Importance of the Ark - DVD
1. Other Arks, Ships, Boats, etc.

                                                               i.      Noah

                                                             ii.      Jaredites

                                                            iii.      Jonah

                                                           iv.      Nephi

                                                             v.      Jesus calming Storm

2. Why Arks?

                                                               i.      To save people

                                                             ii.      Refuge from sin – interesting symbolism with water as the evil to be protected from

3. Types of Arks

                                                               i.      Temples

                                                             ii.      Stakes

                                                            iii.      Serpent on Pole

                                                           iv.      Food Storage

                                                             v.      Avoid Debt

5. Dove – Olive Branch - DVD
6. Babel - DVD
1. Why?  (To prove they could)

                                                               i.      To make a name for themselves, rather than take upon them the name of God

2. What are your Babels?

                                                               i.      Is it sometimes easier to build a tower than serve the Lord

3. Languages confounded
4. Some Saved

Lesson Six Reading

Moses 8:19-30; Genesis 6-9; 11:1-9

Lesson Five

Gospel Doctrine Lesson 5: Moses 5-7

CAIN

• We have every reason to believe that he had the privilege of standing in the presence of messengers from heaven. In fact the scriptures infer that he was blessed by communication with the Father and was instructed by messengers from his presence. No doubt he held the Priesthood; otherwise his sin could not make of him Perdition. He sinned against the light. And this he did, so we are told, because he loved Satan more than he loved God.
• Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith.
• As it was said of Cain, so it will be said of us; ‘If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door’
• Cain will rule over Satan. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 181).
• Cain and Satan Covenanted with Each Other. Cain was the first man on earth to enter into a covenant with Satan and to use covenants to prevent others from disclosing sinful acts. However, he was not the last. In the scriptures this kind of covenant relationship is called a secret combination.
• Cain Slew Abel. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:33) Cain’s rejoicing is both ironic and tragic, manifesting how complete his rebellion against God had become.
• “Are we our brothers’ keepers? In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? The Savior’s Golden Rule says we are. Satan says we are not. “Tempted of Satan, some have followed the example of Cain. They covet property and then sin to obtain it. The sin may be murder, robbery, or theft. It may be fraud or deception. It may even be some clever but legal manipulation of facts or influence to take unfair advantage of another. Always the excuse is the same: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’” (Dallin H. Oaks in Ensign, Nov. 1986, 20 ).
• Cain Was Cursed. Part of the curse Cain received for killing Abel was that the ground would no longer “yield unto [Cain] her strength,” and that he would be a “fugitive and a vagabond” ( Moses 5:37 ). A fugitive is a person who is running from the law, and a vagabond is someone who has no home. Cain was also driven out “from the face of the Lord” ( Moses 5:39 ).
• A Mark Was Placed upon Cain. It must be noted that the mark that was set upon Cain was not the same thing as the curse that he received. The mark was to distinguish him as the one who had been cursed by the Lord. It was placed upon Cain so that no one finding him would kill him.

ENOCH

• Enoch was 25 years old when Adam ordained him to the priesthood, and he was 65 when Adam again blessed him (see D&C 107:48).
• By his own voice, the Lord called Enoch, apparently at age 65, to be a prophet and seer (see Moses 6:25–27). At that time the Lord showed him the first of three visions of the future recorded in Moses (see Moses 6:36).
• He began a long ministry of testimony, but he was rejected by many (see Moses 6:37). Enoch taught gospel principles as they had been revealed by God and angels to Adam (see Moses 6:47–68).

· He defeated the enemies of the people of the Lord through priesthood miracles, moving mountains and turning rivers from their courses. As a result, his people gained security and peace (see Moses 7:13–17).

• Under Enoch’s leadership, his people became so righteous that the Savior was often in their midst (seeMoses 7:16). The seer’s people flourished and established a city of holiness called Zion (see Moses 7:17–19).
• Three years before Adam’s death, Enoch, with other righteous leaders, attended a great convocation called by Adam at Adam-ondi-Ahman. There Adam bestowed his last blessing upon his children and related, by the power of prophecy, what should happen to his posterity to the end of time (see D&C 107:53–56). The prophecy was recorded in the book of Enoch (see D&C 107:57).
• Not only did Enoch write the prophesied story of the earth as revealed by Adam, but the Savior also opened to Enoch the third vision of the future recorded in Moses (seeHistory of the Church, 2:261, where the Prophet Joseph Smith, after quoting Revelation 21:3 states, “I discover by this quotation, that John upon the isle of Patmos, saw the same thing concerning the last days, which Enoch saw”). In this vision Enoch saw the events of the earth until the Millennium (see Moses 7:67).
• Enoch foresaw the first coming of the Savior, his crucifixion and death, and the great destructions of the earth associated therewith (see Moses 7:45–47, 55–56).
• He foresaw the Second Coming of the Lord, the building up of Zion in the last days, and the return of his city to the earth (see Moses 7:60–67).
• The Lord personally met with Enoch on many occasions over the 365 years of his ministry (see D&C 107:49).
• Enoch was actually 430 years old when he was translated. At that time, Zion had been in existence for 365 years (see Moses 7:68; Moses 8:1).
• When the world in general had rejected the law of God, the Lord translated Enoch and his people, taking them and the “government of heaven” off the earth (see History of the Church, 5:64; D&C 38:4). Before the Flood, the righteous upon whom the Holy Ghost fell were subsequently taken up into the city of Enoch (see Moses 7:27).
• The Savior himself spoke of the future glory of both Enoch’s Zion and the Zion of the last days, testifying that they would eventually be reunited and that he would personally abide there. Then the earth would rest for a thousand years (see 3 Ne. 21:1; Moses 7:62–64; History of the Church, 3:34).

Lesson 5 Reading Assignment

Moses 5-7

The Fall

1. The Fall
1. Sin vs. Transgression

i. “It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. … “… We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall. … Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin.’ … “This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression” (italics added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 98; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73).

2. Results of the Fall

i. Beginning with Adam and Eve, the spirit children of God the Father are provided mortal tabernacles

ii. All mankind would experience physical and spiritual death

iii. Opposition is necessary for our growth – trial and tribulations in all things

iv. We have the capacity to choose good or evil and receive the blessings or consequences

v. The plan of redemption is revealed, which brings joy and eternal life if we follow it.

2. Atonement – must be taught together with the Fall
1. Moses 6:59
2. That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
3. Rule Over Her
1. Moses 4:22
2. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
3. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I have a question about the word rule. It gives the wrong impression. I would prefer to use the word preside because that’s what he does. A righteous husband presides over his wife and family” (“The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 72).
4. Obedience
1. Moses 5:5 - 6
2. 5 And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
3. 6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
4. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Whatever God requires is right, … although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 256).
5. Find Joy in Trials
1. 2 Nephi 2:25
2. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
3. Moses 5:10 - 11
4. 10 And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
5. 11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
6. 3 John 1:4
7. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
6. Teach Freely
1. Moses 6:57 - 58
2. 57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God . . .
3. 58 Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children
4. Freely from Noah Webster Dictionary 1828

i. Voluntarily

ii. Plentifully - in abundance

iii. Without scruple or reserve – with no doubt or hesitation

iv. Without impediment or hinderance – without the things of life getting in the way

v. Spontaneously – whenever there is a teaching moment

vi. Liberally; generously

vii. Gratuitously – free, with no claim of merit or compensation

Gospel Doctrine Lesson 4 Reading Assignment

Moses 4; 5:1–15; 6:48–62

Creation Test

True/False
1. Jesus Christ created all things, including man.
2. The Creation took 6,000 years.
3. Animals and Plants existed in pre-mortal life.
4. The Earth will soon return to its Edenic (Paradisiacal) state.
5. An understanding of the doctrine of the creation is essential to our salvation.
6. The Creation was accomplished only by Jesus and Michael (Adam), with supervision by Elohim.
7. The Earth was created/organized in a mortal state.
8. Species can evolve into other species.
9. The Creation, the Fall and the Atonement are the most important events that ever have or will occur in all eternity.
10. Fill in the Blank: Existence came from __________; Death came by ___________; Immortality and Eternal Life come through __________.
For extra credit please list the things created on each “day” of the creation.

1. ____________________________________________________.
2. ____________________________________________________.
3. ____________________________________________________.
4. ____________________________________________________.
5. ____________________________________________________.
6. ____________________________________________________.

Third Week (Jan. 17, 2010) Reading Assignment - Moses 1:27–42; 2–3

Gospel Doctrine Lesson 2
Abraham 3 and Moses 4:1-4

“Thou Wast Chosen Before Thou Wast Born”

Vision of Abraham – Pre-Existence

► Vision
► Intelligence
► Foreordination
► Earth: Testing – Fulfilling the Measure of Our Creation

Vision

► Abraham 3:17 – “There is nothing that the Lord thy God shall take into His heart to do but what He will do it.”

► We must have Vision of who we are and what we can do (pg. 234)

► Vision without effort is daydreaming; effort without vision is drudgery; but vision coupled with effort will obtain the prize. (Pres. Monson)

Intelligence

► Abraham 3:22 Intelligence is an eternal attribute of God and His spirit-children

► “Intelligence includes more than raw IQ; . . . He who has intelligence, or the light of truth, will forsake completely “that evil one.” Neal A. Maxwell

► We must strive to magnify our intelligence. The intelligence we acquire on earth will rise with us in the resurrection and will be to our advantage in the hereafter (D&C 130:18-19)

Foreordination

► Abraham 3:23 Abraham was foreordained to his calling as were many others (D&C 138:56) – including you

► “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the grand council of heaven before this world was” (Teachings of Joseph Smith pg. 365)

► When we read our patriarchal blessings, we come to know in a real sense the expectations and blessings we can look forward to if we are true and faithful.

Earth: Testing – Fulfilling the Measure of our Creation

► Abraham 3:24-25 The Earth was created for our dwelling and testing

► Every created thing has been made for a purpose; and everything that fills the measure of its creation is to be advanced in the scale of progression, be it an atom or a world; an animal or a man – the direct and literal offspring of Deity. (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pg. 299)

► In this test we will have opposition in all things, be tempted by the devil, and be willing to submit to whatever the Father sees to inflict upon us. Sometimes it appears to be unfair.

► Neal A. Maxwell Quote, pg. 241-242

Commercial
► Role
► www Questionnaire
► .readthescriptures.com
► http://tatescreekgospeldoctrine.blogspot.com/

Vision of Moses

► Moses 4:1 Satan – Avoiding Pride
President Benson on Pride (Ensign, May, 1989)

► Moses 4:2 Jesus –Obedience and Humility

Spiritual Transformation

The more we obey – the more we have the Spirit – the more direction we have in our lives – the more righteous we become – the greater capacity to serve and bless others – the more we can build up the kingdom of God – the greater the level of happiness – the more charity we possess – the more we will be like our Savior. (pg. 244)

Conclusion

► The Lesson of the Hands (pg. 242)

Second Week (Jan. 10, 2010) Reading Assignment

Abraham Chapter 3 and Moses 4:1-4

Lesson 1 Outline

Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 1

Moses 1

I. Introduction. Where did the book come from. Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible. Chapter one is the Vision of Moses – kind of an introduction to the book of Genesis.

Chapter one of Moses is an account of a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph just prior to, or at the commencement of, the translation, while Moses chapters two through eight constitute his translation of Genesis from Chapter one through Chapter six, verse 13. Robert J. Matthews Ensign 1986 January.

See story from “The Remarkable Book of Moses” by Richard D. Draper Ensign 1997 February.

II. Vision of the Lord – Who? God or Jesus. Jesus is the Lord of the OT. God the Father only appears to introduce or bear testimony of His Son.

A. Face-to-face

B. We can also know. “This knowledge of His goodness and power is necessary for one to act with faith, to show love, and to be obedient.” Pinegar

C. We are literal children of our Heavenly Father (Rom. 8:16)

D. We can become perfect (D&C 84:38)

III. Humility – What did Moses mean in 1:10?? “Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.” Discuss Humility??

IV. Opposing Satan – Moses 1:12 – Satan . . . “came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man worship me.” Note that Satan attempted to persuadeMoses that he was not, as he had been assured, a son of God but rather a “son of man” – that is, a mere mortal. It is obvious why Saan wants us to doubt that we are spiritually begotten children of God. Dissuading us that we have divine potential erodes the nobility to which we ought to aspire and invites us to embrace the sins of this world. In doing so we surrender to the adversary and forfeit our rightful divine inheritance.” Ronald A. Rasband, Ensign 2010 January

A. “What is the level of our spiritual vitality in the face of temptation and opposition? . . . Moses was able to overcome temptation because he knew the glory of God, and so can we.” How can we overcome Satan?

B. Teach children to make good decisions and congratulate them.
1. Tammy – and the movie
2. Jeff – and soccer

C. Eli Herring (pg. 227) Four things from which he drew strength.
1. Mother
2. Scriptures and prophets
3. Prayer and the strength of his wife
4. Example of other men

D. Fear is deeply destructive. “In this world, with all its iniquity, we are continually eing bombarded by the adversary and the hosts of Heaven who were cast down to the earth. Moses would not cease to call upon God, yet for a time he had fear. Fear is deeply destructive if we do not confront it with positive action.”

E. One can truly overcome fear in the strength of the Lord.
1. Richard G. Scott quote (pg 228)

V. God’s Divine Mission

A. 1:39 – For behold, this is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man

B. What is the difference between immortality and eternal life?

C. Moses had asked why and how (1:30)
1. 1:39 answers why
2. Moses 2 to 6 answers how

January 3, 2010 Reading Assignment - Moses 1

We will be discussing our relationship to God, and our relationship to Satan and God's purposes.